CURRICULUM INTENT:
The purpose of the history curriculum at Highgate Hill is to fire pupils’ curiosity to ask questions and know more about Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Pupils should be encouraged to develop a chronological framework of British history that will enable them to make sense of the new knowledge they acquire through enquiry-based study. This will also allow them to understand the process of change, to see how we arrived ‘here’ and help them to make sense of the present. We want pupils to recognise how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.
Moreover, we want pupils to realise that the past is gone and history is constructed and contested. History’s unique concepts help pupils to construct arguments and support them to become analytical citizens who can question human motivation and society with skill and confidence. The subject of history also helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of our time.
At Highgate Hill, we also aim to provide all of our learners in our diverse school community with opportunities to progress in learning about the past in a way which is engaging and relevant and broadens understanding. We aim for all students to progress in literacy, numeracy and source analysis skills throughout each year of study.
KS3 Curriculum
Assessment for Learning
The aim of the History department is not only to impart historical knowledge but also to improve the capacity of each and every student to improve their own learning skills and to do so in partnership with their peers and teacher.Students are assessed once every half term. They will, whenever and wherever possible, have a chance to reflect upon their learning and then improve their work through peer marking or participate in whole class feedback.
Rewards
Students who work well will receive achievement points. Students who continue to do well over time or produce an excellent piece of work will receive a postcard or telephone call home. Students are expected to get excellent work signed by you (so you can see how well your child is doing). Exceptional students will be nominated for ‘Historian of the Month’. They will receive a gift voucher and a mention in assembly.